Federal Inmate Convicted Of Voluntary Manslaughter In The Death Of Cellmate

HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Rudy Mendoza, age 41, was convicted on July 31, 2026, of voluntary manslaughter in the death of his cellmate following a five-day jury trial before United States District Judge Keli M. Neary. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on July 30, 2019, the Bureau of Prison's staff found Mendoza's cellmate dead in their cell within the Special Housing Unit at United States Penitentiary, Canaan, Waymart, PA. The correctional officers found blood in various locations throughout the cell and the victim had multiple injuries to his head and face. The cause of death was cardiorespiratory collapse secondary to physical trauma.

The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons. Assistant United States Attorneys Scott Ford, Stephen Dukes, and William Behe prosecuted the case.

The maximum penalty for these offenses is 15 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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